By Cole Perkin
Like many families, ours used to place a bird feeder outside every fall. The intent was to help local birds find food and maintain energy as winter approached and food became scarce. This was a worthwhile trade-off because the birds were able to get food, and I was able to observe them up close. However, after further research, I have found that while bird feeders can provide supplemental food, they are not a substitute for healthy habitat for the birds. Feeders can also bring birds together in large numbers, which, if not kept up properly, can increase the potential for diseases to spread among birds.
The best way to help birds is to begin with the yard itself. By planting native trees, bushes, and flowers, the birds can feed on the seeds and insects that come with these native plants, creating a healthier habitat for local birds. While native plants offer benefits, many non-native plants do not support the same variety and abundance of insects that local birds need to thrive. Just replacing a portion of a lawn or garden with native plants can greatly benefit wildlife.
This isn’t to say that bird feeders are harmful to the environment. In fact, a well-maintained bird feeder is a great supplement to a yard with native plants. A healthy yard can include both bird feeders and native plants. Here are some tips on how to safely feed backyard birds:
Choose suitable food. Black-oil sunflower seeds are a good food choice for many common backyard birds. Be sure to avoid bread, crackers, and other processed human foods, which can fill birds up without giving them the nutrition they need.
Keep the feeder and the ground below it clean. Old seed, droppings, and moisture can create unhealthy conditions. Choose a feeder that is easy to take apart, wash it every week or two, and remove wet or spoiled seed.
Watch for sick birds. Signs that a bird may be sick include swollen or crusty eyes, fluffed feathers, trouble breathing, and unusual behavior. If a sick bird appears on the feeder, be sure to clean the feeder and replace any contaminated food.
Reduce other backyard dangers. Keep pets and other potential predators away from the feeders. Create an open feeder space where birds have a clear view of their surroundings.
Many families like mine have put out feeders to help. The goal is to consider how we can make our backyards even more beneficial for wildlife. A clean feeder can offer extra food, but a yard filled with native plants offers much more: food, shelter, nesting space, and a healthier backyard ecosystem. By thinking beyond the feeder, nearly any yard can become a small but valuable habitat for birds.
Cole Perkin is a college student at Wesleyan University in his junior year, where he is majoring in Economics and Environmental Studies. Cole loves to travel and will be spending his fall semester studying abroad in Amsterdam.